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As followers of Christ, “I can trust God no matter what” is a phrase we all say. And for the most part we sincerely believe it and live it out. We trust God to provide for our basic needs, for our safety, even for our health and well-being. But there are certain moments when trusting God seems just a bit more difficult—often those are the times when we’re forced to wait.

ARE WE THERE YET??

Throughout our life, we will face times when we’re not where we once were, but we’re not yet at our final destination. Instead, we’re somewhere in between. Put simply: we’re waiting.

And it’s in the waiting that our faith is tested.

Which is why allowing God to develop patience in us is important. Not only is patience a Fruit of the Spirit, it is a foundational way that we can reflect God’s character. From the very beginning God has shown patience with people. When Adam and Eve broke God’s rule, He could have killed them on the spot. Rather, He showed them grace. Yes, there were consequences, but God had a plan for their rescue. All throughout the Bible we see God showing patience in order that more people could come to know and believe in Him.

God’s patience is continually focused on relationships with people. Even after we sinned, He still pursued us. He sent Jesus, His own Son to make a way for us to be with Him. He waited time after time for people to repent and make things right.

Something He still does today.

When we demonstrate patience, we are less likely to hurt our relationships with others. We are more likely to trust that God has something better for us in the future. And when we trust God with our future, even when we’re “in-between” on life’s journey and asking Him “Are we there yet?” we can have patience knowing that His plan and His timing are always better than our own.

The Bible is full of stories and principles that help us realized the importance of discovering how to be patient.

We’ll start the month with one of the best examples of what happens when you’re not patient; you lose something of value. In Genesis 25:24-34, we discover the story of Esau sacrificing his birthright for a bowl of stew. Because Esau was impatient, he lost something he could never get back.

Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, think twice. Don’t let your lack of patience cause you to make a decision you’ll regret. Think twice about what really matters and wait patiently.

For week 2, we head over to Exodus 32:1-35 and find the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai. Instead of obeying God and waiting for Moses to come down off the mountain, the entire nation of Israel grew impatient. They built a golden calf and began to worship it instead of worshiping God. Their lack of patience had some severe consequences.

Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, think about what’s true. It’s easier to wait when you remember all the times God has helped you before. You can trust Him, knowing that He’ll help you wait.

For week 3, we’ll discover an important patience principle King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 14:29. “Anyone who is patient has great understanding. But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish he is.” How we respond to waiting shows others our character. Getting frustrated and angry doesn’t make the wait any less, it just makes us look foolish.

Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, don’t lose your cool. Sometimes when you’re waiting, it’s too easy to get frustrated and become angry with others. Don’t make yourself look foolish when you have to wait.

For week four, we’ll all be together in the sanctuary for a special program. It’s a surprise, so you got to be there to see it!

For week five, it’s a fifth Sunday! Kindergarten through 5th grade will be in the sanctuary with families again. A fifth Sunday is a time for family worship and a time for kids to see parents in worship. So parents, take the opportunity to be the example.

Bottom Line: Remember that God’s plan is bigger than yours. When you’re having a hard time waiting, remember that God has a plan for you life bigger and better than you could ever imagine.

While we’re discovering what God has to tell us about patience, we’ll be memorizing Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope. Wait for the Lord.”

Thankfully, we don’t have to wait in our own power. Our hope is in God. He will give us the strength to remember that it’s worth the wait.

It’s important to remember that learning patience doesn’t happen in a moment; it takes time. As we talk to kids about how they can reflect God through how they show patience, it’s important to remember that this is something they’ll be developing for the rest of their lives, and something we, as adults, can probably use some work on ourselves.

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In the upcoming weeks, I will be changing our check-in system over to a new program.

Why Have a Check-In/Out System In Church?

Once I complete the testing to work out any bugs, I hope to flip the switch and everything go well! However, I get asked by people why do I insist on using a check in system at our church?

We are a church that knows everyone.

Nothing is going to happen here.

It’s church, you got to show some trust with the people.

It’s a hassle and I think it’s childish for my kids.

These are some reasons that I get for not having a check-in / check-out system from parents and guardians. I consider each child that steps into the 4:12 Ministries area of Mountain View one of my kids. I have the same hassle checking in my kids, and thankfully getting my kids. Just because I am the Children’s Pastor, that does not give me any special right to have my kids treated special. They are held in class until someone with the correct parent tag comes along to get them, just as other kids are.

Today I came across an excellent short article that ties into a book that I am getting to help me out with “our” kids. It states without any apology why children’s ministry and the church are the perfect target for predators of kids. It is a sad fact, but true. If you will, click on the link below and take a few minutes to read the article. I hope that it will give you some insight into why I have instated a check-in / check-out system, background checks, cameras in rooms and other procedures. The safety of our children and your peace of mind while you are in a worship service is of great importance to me. I am not saying that everything that we have done is perfect. And I am quite sure that there are bugs in the system that need squashing. But if we work together, I think we will make it the best system that we can.

Lastly, if there is anything that you believe could improve or better our Children’s Ministry, please take the time to call me, email me or just talk to me. I am willing to listen to any suggestion and see what, if anything, can be done.

Hey guys and gals! I hope that you and your kidos are ready for an awesome year in AWANA at Mountain View. We are starting something new in AWANA by adding a monthly mission for the T&T group! Every month I will be taking a group of either guys or girls to the Hope Closet to help sort, organize, clean, iron and hang clothes that have been donated.

Now for those of you who don’t know what the Hope Closet is or where it is located, let me tell you. This organization came into existence due to government cuts that have removed clothing allowances and some reimbursements in the foster/adoption care services. With the abundance of kids that need fostering and adopting a group of people in our community decided to pull together and help make a difference. This is a non-profit organization that supports foster children and families with the ability to shop once a quarter for clothes, toys, books, and strollers. There will be more items as they are donated. It is located behind First Baptist Church in a white house at 374 Lee Street. There will be a grand opening this coming Thursday, August 14th! If you have items that you would like to donate, I am sure they would be very grateful to accept what you have.

Now as an extra bonus to making this a full-blown AWANA mission project, we are making a deal with the parents of the AWANA kids. Each year the dues for AWANA are $17.50. This covers the cost of books, uniforms and supplies. We will erase the dues for each kids that brings three new packages of socks or underwear (boys & girls) or a combination of the two items. By bringing the two packages of socks and one underwear or two underwear and one sock, your kids dues will be paid and you will have just helped other kids in our community!

If you would like to check out their Facebook page, click here. To see what they are currently in need of simply give them a call at 706-601-0403.

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Starting this Sunday we will be doing some new music. We will be using Seeds Family Worship for our song worship time. If you can get a chance, check them out on their web page. I am also planning on taking a group down to Warner Robbins to a concert by Seeds Family Worship later this year. More details will be coming out on this later. So, we are looking forward to seeing you Sunday morning at Mountain View in the Outback at 11:00!